One News
January 18 2007; 19:37

Dead girl was sexually abused

Christchurch police investigating the death of a 10-year old Zimbabwean girl have confirmed she was sexually abused.

Detectives say Charlene Makaza was the victim of a violent sexual assault at the same time as someone tried to suffocate her two weeks ago.  Her aunt found her unconscious and having difficulty breathing in a bed in their Bryndwr home on January 6.  The young girl died the next day in hospital.

"We are obviously focussing on family members in the house at the time to ascertain how Charlene could have sustained the injuries that she had," says Detective Inspector Malcolm Johnston.

Police are now waiting for toxicology and DNA results.

Police believe she was suffocated and have yet to make an arrest.

Meanwhile the girl's body has now been released to her family.